Do you feel sad or do you cry a lot? You feel your life seems meaningless or like nothing good is ever going to happen again? Do you feel guilty for no real reason at all? Have you lost your confidence? This is not an ordinary pain, what you experience are symptoms of depression.
Depression engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Depression can be quite debilitating. I have gone through difficult periods and know from personal experience that even mild symptoms of depression can ruin one’s life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression vary from person to person and depend on the severity of depression. Signs and symptoms of depression are:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook – nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Appetite or weight changes. Poor appetite or over-eating.

Self-loathing. Intense feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived shortcomings and mistakes.